Interstate 295 project moved up to start next year

Six large road projects throughout Florida, at a combined cost of $806.7 million, have been formally moved to the front of the state’s Five Year Work Program.

The list includes nearly $180 million to add lanes and reconstruction Interstate 295 from Butler Boulevard to Florida 9B. It was originally scheduled to start in 2017, but will now begin next year. A news release said the project will increase traffic capacity and relieve congestion.

Other projects being moved up are: U.S. 41 in Charlotte County; Interstate 75 in Hernando County; Florida 30 in Bay County; Interstate 95 in Volusia County; and Florida 821 in Miami-Dade County.

The work in Volusia County, to six-lane a 14-mile stretch of I-95 is the most expensive at $255 million.

“These projects will enhance our infrastructure to support commerce, decrease commute times and make our roads safer for families,” Gov. Rick Scott said in a prepared statement Thursday.

The money for each project had been approved as part of the state’s budget for the current fiscal year. The governor’s office announced the allocations in June.